Noreen met Jude’s gaze for a brief moment before looking away, her expression calm and detached, as if she were looking at a stranger.
That stung Jude’s ego more than he cared to admit.
He had never thought much of Noreen–just another sycophant at Seth’s beck and call. What right did she have to act so aloof in front of him? She was still putting
on airs!
Jude recognized Johnson, too. He strode over, deliberately ignoring Noreen, and greeted him with an exaggerated warmth.
“Mr. Johnson! Long time no see. What’s keeping you busy these days?”
Johnson, after all, knew who Jude was–the wild child of the Wilder family, with plenty of resources, even if he wasn’t exactly known for his work ethic. Courtesy was a given.
“Oh, you know what I do, Mr. Jude. Always out hunting for talent.”
“Hunting for talent, huh?” Jude shot a meaningful glance at Noreen, his lips curled in a mocking half–smile–part taunt, part scorn.
“Your headhunting skills seem a little rusty.”
Johnson just laughed it off. “Now, now–Secretary Gilmore is highly sought–after in our field.”
Jude didn’t take the bait. Instead, he said, “I bet you haven’t heard–Mr. Harcourt from Aurelion Group just brought in a top recruit from overseas. PhD from WT Business School, used to work for Grand Trust Bank, and now he’s the new director
of Aurelion’s Investment Division III.”
He couldn’t hide the smugness in his voice. “That kind of talent would be considered top–tier even in your circles, wouldn’t it?”
Johnson nodded, honest and unbothered. “That’s definitely high–caliber.”
“So, looks like you’ve got some room to improve,” Jude said, giving Johnson a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Johnson just grinned. “Appreciate the advice, Mr. Jude.”
After his little performance, Jude was practically glowing. “Oh, by the way, I have a stake in this restaurant. Tonight’s dinner is on me.”
1/3
11:57 能
Chapter 16
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly-”
“No need to be polite. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll need your help finding someone. Consider this a gesture of friendship.”
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